London boasts a number of state-sponsored arts venues. The Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and Barbican Centre are just a few. They show England’s commitment to supporting the arts and providing access to all people.
The Southbank Centre is along the south bank of the Thames River and boasts such performance spaces as Royal Festival Hall, The Purcell Room, and smaller studios. The centre provides some free concerts and events in their open gathering areas and also have fully-fledged food service bars. Currently, there is also a festival going on at the Wonderground, an area adjacent to the formal venue. This includes The Udderbelly Theatre (an upside-down purple cow) and various carnivalesque events.
The National Theatre is right next door to Southbank and holds a number of theatre spaces in addition to small cafes and a theatre library. Such spaces include the temporary red barn-like theatre and the grand Olivier Theatre.
A few tube stops away, The Barbican Centre bosts two theatres, a cinema, and music halls. It houses productions of classical and contemporary music as well as theatrical works by such companies as Royal Shakespeare Company.
In short, the English government prizes the arts, especially in London, and shows their support through these great multi-arts venues. Not only are these buildings incredible, but they make programs that give access to everyone. With free concerts and large concessions (discounts) for students, we have had a very affordable and complete experience of the arts so far in London – AND WE STILL HAVE TWO WEEKS!!